Invergent

Chapter Two

Elise's Perspective:

I lay on the couch, waiting for nothing in particular. Today is the day of the aptitude test, which I'm desperate to get over with. I don't really care to see what the results are. I value what all the factions stand for. I honestly don't think that there is only one cause for world problems, and how can you expect me to? We're born into this system; we choose where we want to spend our lives, and we stay separated from one another. 

I take in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air coming in from the windows while I can. I'm not sure which faction I'll choose, but I'm sure I don't want to stay here. I decide to wear bright red shorts and a yellow t-shirt today. The warm sun feels nice on my bare legs as I stroll through the forest like I do most mornings when I need time to think. I wear my long black hair in two braids to keep it out of my face. I keep my face plain, not bothering with makeup. I know I should care more about looking nice for the test, but I don't.

Soon we'll have to choose which faction we want to be in, and we'll never have the opportunity to change our minds. We'll have to stay there or join the factionless. I haven't decided which faction I'll choose yet, which is annoying me. Usually, I'm more prepared. 

"Are you still moping around?" Michale, my brother, asks. I wince at his comment. In his mind I am always 'moping around'.

"No!" I quickly say, sitting up. I sound like kid who just got caught doing something I wasn't supposed to be doing. 

"Don't be nervous." He rolls his eyes as he sits down next to me. "It's just a test you can't fail." 

"I'm not nervous," I say angrily. "I just don't understand why we even have a test for this kind of thing." 

"You're right, better we just flip a coin and get it over with. It's just a decision that determines the rest of our lives," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. 

"They always say that we choose our faction based on what we think is the cause of war, not on how we already act. Plus, isn't that what initiation is for? To teach us how to act according to the faction we choose?" 

"Uh- Look it's not for us to question, okay? And the system seems to be working just fine so far." 

"You're just mad I'm right," I grumble, crossing my arms. 

"Maybe you're cut out for Candor since you can't seem to shut up," he says, roughing up my hair. Candor? Never in a million years. 

"Hey!" I laugh, pushing his hand away. I quickly try to smooth my hair. "You're such a jerk."

"Come on pancake, it's time to go." Michale says, as he gets up and heads for the door. 

Seven years ago, I came home from school in tears. I ran upstairs to my room and slammed my door. My parents told Michale to let me be and that they would talk to me when I calmed down. He didn't listen. He wrapped me up in his arms for a good long while, until I was able to speak again. I told him how the Candor kids were making fun of me. I couldn't remember all the awful things they said to me but one that really stuck was 'short stack of pancakes'. Michale laughed and told me I was short. He then made up this big story about how pancakes are the foundation of any good breakfast and that I should be proud. Michale's always had a way of making me feel better. 

The thought of leaving my brother behind is the only thing thats giving me second thoughts. I'd be fine here in Amity, I'm sure of it. Laughing with my friends near the fire, singing songs, braiding each other's hair, spending all day in the fields surrounded by fresh fruit. But I desperately need something more than this small life. I need something unpredictable, something that can keep my mind occupied. I want to know more than what was just outside of the city.